Psalms: Psalm 100

 Psalms: Psalm 100 by ric gustafson

There is only five verses in Psalm 100, The first verse says shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Verse 2 says worship the Lord with gladness come before him with joyful songs. Verse 3 says know that the Lord is God it is he who made us and we are his we are his people the sheep of his pasture. Verse 4 says enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise give thanks to him and praise his name. Verse 5 says for the Lord is good and his love endures forever his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my precious lamb page 5

 my precious lamb page 5 by ric gustafson

You try your best but things happen anyway. You get worried and discouraged. But remember I am on the throne. Whatever is bothering you give it to me. Sometimes you try to be me. Sometimes you try to solve everything youreslf. Your life is in my hands. You will have difficulties but have no fear. I will give you strength for every battle. Remember stay in faith. Instead of worrying, let me handle everything in your life. You are surrounded by favor. I love you more than anything else.

research help: ' Peaceful on Purpose' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my precious lamb page 4

 my precious lamb page 4 by ric gustafson

All of you make mistakes. I know that. You feel bad about yourselves and live with guilt. But guilt is not productive. Physically, it will burn you out.  It drains you emotionally. My adversary wants you to have guilt. I do not remember your sins. I forgave you. If my adversary tries to drag you down with guilt, Say no thanks go away. I have already forgiven you. You carry around a huge bag of guilt. You carry around a big bag of mistakes. The price has already been paid by me. Give me your heavy bags of guilt, mistakes and I will get rid of them. I love you more than anything else.

research help: ' Peaceful on Purpose' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my precious lamb page 3

 my precious lamb page 3 by ric gustafson

You see what's going on in this world. You watch the news and have fear. But do not fear I am Jesus the Guardian of your soul. I will guard you from the forces of darkness. I will guard you from your enemies and shield you from trouble. Nothing can snatch you out of my hand. As your Guardian, I will be by your side protecting you. Instead of worrying, stay in peace. Pray and believe, I will always be beside you. Stay close to me, I will always protect you. I love you more than anything else.

research help: ' Peaceful on Purpose' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my precious lamb page 2

 my precious lamb page 2 by ric gustafson

Expect favor from me, I am directing your steps. There will be bumps in your spiritual journey but don't despair. Everyone is human but I will give you peace. Each day is a gift from me. This is the day I made. Remain calm in adversity, I am here to comfort you. Don't let people ruin your day. Choose your battles wisely. There will be distractions keeping you from my best. Protect your peace and let me fight your battles for you. I love you more than anything else.

research help: ' Peaceful on Purpose' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus my son page 4

 Jesus my son page 4 by ric gustafson

Matthew, Peter and John stood outside Peter's home. Peter led them into a courtyard. " Make yourselves at home".

" Can it be Matthew?".

He turned to see James the Just smiling at him. He was one of Jesus's brothers.

They embraced.

" I have heard good things about your work in Capernaum". He smiled. " Thank you for coming to help us".

Matthew grinned. " I was happy to come".

James had Mary's features but was taller than Yeshua.

Later, the group retired to the roof to talk.

" Matthew". James folded his hands. " We need your help keeping records of gifts".

Peter sighed. " We have too many hands collecting contributions".

" I am here friends". Matthew smiled. " I will be your accountant".

research help: ' A Woman of Words' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus my son page 3

 Jesus my son page 3 by ric gustafson

" Matthew".

He turned to see a woman with total grey hair. " Mary, it is good to see you".

" You look well Matthew". She smiled. " You have not changed".

" First of all". He grinned. " I bring you greetings from Abigail in Capernaum".

" How kind of her".

" I wanted to visit with you ever since I arrived".

" I had hoped you would". Her voice hesitated. " We have been invited to Peter's house tonight for dinner".

" I look forward to that".

" After dinner tonight". She gave Matthew a serious stare. " There is something I would like to ask you about".

" Of course".

research help: ' A Woman of Words' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my precious lamb page 1

 my precious lamb page 1 by ric gustafson

All is well. Do not worry about your future or be upset because someone did you wrong. I am still watching over you. I am still directing your steps. I will give you peace of mind. I am bigger than anything you are facing. Don't get discouraged about life, all is well. Insteady of worrying, all is well. You will have difficulties but all is well. All is well I am in control. I love you more than anything else.

research help: ' Peaceful on Purpose' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: the Life Everlasting

 Apostle's Creed: the Life Everlasting by ric gustafson

Life everlasting does not just mean endless existence. Jesus promises his followers final joy. According to John 12 and 17, where I am there will my servant be also. Life everlasting is being with Jesus forever. What will we do in heaven?. We will worship, work, enjoy beauty, people and God. Above all, we shall see Jesus and spend time with him. In heaven, we will have endless joy. Praise God's name.

The End

research help: ' Affirming the Apostles's Creed' by J I Packer

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Apostle's Creed: Resurrection of the Body

 Apostle's Creed: Resurrection of the Body by ric gustafson

Death is a human problem. If death is final, then nothing is worthwhile. But for Christians, death has been conquered. Jesus rose from the grave and lives in heaven. According to Philippians and I John, our lowly bodies will be transformed into his glorious body. The raising of the body means the restoring of the person. We will have a new body. One day, we will be like Jesus. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: Forgiveness of Sins

 Apostle's Creed: Forgiveness of Sins by ric gustafson

What is sin?. Sin is lawlessness. Sin is perversity. Except for Jesus, everyone has done it. It comes in desires, actions and motives. God cannot stand sin or look at it. Forgiveness is a pardon. Why forgiveness by faith alone?. Jesus gives us pardon and peace. We trust Jesus and ask for his forgiveness. Through Jesus's death, God accepts us as righteous and cancels our sins. Along with justification there is forgiveness and peace. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: the Holy Catholic Church

 Apostle's Creed: the Holy Catholic Church by ric gustafson

Roman Catholic teaching presents the church of Christ as one organized body of baptized persons. Protestants say the church is one worldwide fellowship of believing people. The church is the society of God's redeemed and baptized people. The church looks back to Christ's first coming with gratitude. The church also waits for Christ's second coming with hope. There are disputes between Roman Catholic and Protestant. The local church is called to serve God and men in humility. The local church is worship, witness, active in love and care for insiders and outsiders. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus my son page 2

 Jesus my son page 2 by ric gustafson

Before sunrise, Matthew slipped out of Peter's house. He walked down narrow streets and dodged men carrying produce to the market. He began to walk into the lower city of Jerusalem. At one point, he stopped at a home on Baker Street. The street was near the Pool of Siloam.

He shouted a greeting. " Shalom, I come seeking Mary of Nazareth".

The door slowly opened. A woman peered out. She grinned. " Matthew, is that you?".

Matthew grinned. " Yes Miriam it is I".

She had changed in the years since Matthew had seen her. She was softer, heavier and more pale. Her smile was the same.

" The others will be happy to see you".

" Who else lives here?".

" Mary, myself  and sometimes members of Mary's family".

" Is Mary able to visit?".

" I will go check".

research help: ' A Woman of Words' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus my son page 1

 Jesus my son page 1 by ric gustafson

Matthew stopped. After five days of walking from Capernaum, he was tired. He was weary and his back hurt. In the distance, he could see the Holy City. He had been sunnoned by Peter, James and John. He was told by Peter he could find him at the Temple. Matthew stopped at Solomon's Porch.

" Matthew".

He turned to see the wide grin of John.

They embraced. " Brother, it is good to see you".

They walked out of the Temple to a small home nearby. They walked in.

" Matthew".

He turned to notice a bearded man smiling at him.

" Peter".

They embraced. 

" So brother". Matthew smiled at the burly fisherman. " Why did you summon me here?".

" Because you are a talented scribe". Peter smiled. " And you are skilled with numbers".

research help: ' A Woman of Words' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit

 Apostle's Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit by ric gustafson

The Holy Spirit is divine, active and part of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is very important to the Trinity. The Spirit helped Jesus through his earthly life. The Spirit acted as Jesus's agent. The Holy Spirit is tightly linked with Jesus the Son. The Spirit is witness and teacher. The Spirit gives gifts to every Christian. It is a blessing from God the Father and God the Son to have the Holy Spirit in us. 

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the person of Christ: King

 the person of Christ: King by ric gustafson

Jesus Chrisr is the King of Kings. Jesus is the expression of royalty. At age 12, Jesus astonished scholars with his ability to ask questions and answers. Years later in Capernaum, people marveled at his gracious words. People were drawn to Jesus's speech and answers for living. Unlike Solomon, Jesus is the supreme and everlasting King. Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise his mighty name.

The End

research help: In Touch December 2011

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the person of Christ: Priest

 the person of Christ: Priest by ric gustafson

In Old Testament times, you could not be in God's presence without meeting specific requirements and purification rituals. But now, Jesus is our High Priest. Jesus is not confined by death or sin. He is alive, eternal and holy. His sacrifice on the cross took care of our transgressions. Only Jesus alone can bring us into a right standing with God. Jesus is a priest to all. Praise God's name.

research help: In Touch December 2011

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: He Shall Come

 Apostle's Creed: He Shall Come by ric gustafson

Jesus promised that he would come back. He promised a bodily resurrection and full everlasting life. The Christian has hope that these things will happen. We do not know when he is coming but he promises that he will. To Jesus's followers, his return will be glorious. 

Jesus tells us to be prepared and be ready. We should be ready and packed to go to our eternal home at any time. Praise God's name. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 99

 Psalms: Psalm 99 by ric gustafson

God demands our respect and reverence. According to Hebrews 4:16, we are to approach the throne of grace with confidence. We can enter the presence of God boldly. We can do this because Jesus has opened the way for us through his death on the cross. We cannot approach God with disrespect. We should not profane his name.We are to exalt and worship God. Praise God's name/

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the person of Christ: Warrior

 the person of Christ: Warrior by ric gustafson

The Jews were not looking for someone to save them who was meek and mild. They did not want a pacifist king. The truth is Jesus is a warrior. His enemies are Satan and death. Jesus came to wage war against sin and death. Jesus is also a captain of of Christian warriors. This is to give us victory over temptation and sin. Jesus is gentle with us. He has no mercy on those who seek our destruction. 

Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: In Touch December 2011

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: he ascended into Heaven

 Apostle's Creed: he ascended into Heaven by ric gustafson

What is Heaven?. God has always dwelled in Heaven even when there was no earth. Heaven is the Christian's final hope. The endless sky reflects God's eternal life. Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples a sign. Jesus ascended up to the clouds out of the disciples sight. This showed that there is a Heaven awaiting them. 

After Jesus's ascension, AD anno Domini started. Jesus intercedes for us. Because of Jesus, we can enjoy a little bit of Heaven here. Praise God's name. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the person of Christ: Intercessor

 the person of Christ: Intercessor by ric gustafson

In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul talks about Jesus being a Intercessor. Jesus has become an eternal bridge for us. Now we are in communion with the Godhead. Paul tells us that we are no longer confined to the limitations of our human flesh. We are redeemed by Jesus. Jesus our Bridge holds all things together which existed before time. Jesus draws our hearts back to him according to Romans 8:26-27. Jesus welcomes us to our eternal home. Praise God's name.

research help: In Touch December 2011

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: the Third Day

 Apostle's Creed: the Third Day by ric gustafson

Is it important that Jesus rose in three days?. The answer is yes. If Jesus had not risen, our faith would be futile. If Jesus had not risen, we would expect to stay dead also. The evidence was solid. The tomb was empty. Nobody could produce the body. The disciples saw Jesus after he had risen. 

Jesus's rising marked Jesus as the Son of God. It demonstrated his victory over death.

Praise God's name. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the person of Christ: Prophet

 the person of Christ: Prophet by ric gustafson

Sometimes people think that prophets only predict future events. Some gave warnings of judgment. Others told insights concerning the will of God. Prophets told the people to turn away from sin and idolatry. A lot of the prophets were not received well and faced persecution and death. 

Jesus's anointing gave him the authority of being a prophet. Jesus is God and those who saw and heard him beheld the Father. Jesus was fully God and fully man. He is the mediator between humanity and the divine. Jesus is our prophet calling us to repentance and the joy of salvation.

research help: In Touch December 2011

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: he desceneded into Hell

 Apostle's Creed: he descended into Hell by ric gustafson

Most people don't want to talk about death. Everyone has to take their turn. Death with Jesus is victory. Death without Jesus is the king of terrors. Christian death is a victory over death. Jesus entered Hades not Gehenna. So what did Jesus do in Hades?. Jesus made Hades into Paradise. That is where the thief on the cross went. He also brought Old Testament believers into Paradise. Jesus was there. We can be assured of Paradise with him when we pass from this life to the next.

research help: ' affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified

 Apostle's Creed: suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified by ric gustafson

Jesus was crucified. He was executed the Roman way. Pontius Pilate will be remembered as the one who killed Jesus. The Jewish authorities could not kill Jesus. Pilate had to. Pilate washed his hands of the whole matter. God's purpose at the cross was judgment on sin. This for the sake of mercy to sinners. Jesus shed his blood as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. God did this out of love for us. Propitiation became reconciliation which became redemption. Praise God's name.

research help: ' affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ismay 2021 page 5

 Ismay 2021 page 5 by ric gustafson

At 9:30 am on Friday April 19 1912, Ismay entered the East room of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He was flanked by bodyguards and attorneys. They walked in as testimony about what had happened to John Jacob Astor. Reporters and spectators were gathered to listen to Ismay. At 10:30, the cross examination began. Ismay gave his name, age and occupation. Ismay told them that he was a voluntaty passenger. He told them about the ship trials. He told them about the first couple days of the voyage. He told them that eventually the ship went faster at top speed.

His actions after the iceberg were the same he told the reporters. He explained that he got on the last lifeboat on the starboard side of the doomed liner. He denied knowing how close the liner was to icebergs. He denied knowing about warnings from the Amerika. He simply said he was just a passenger onboard. Ismay did say that women and children came first. The inquiry had testimony from Abraham Hyman who was in Collapsible C with Ismay.

The inquiry continued.

research help: ' How to survive the Titanic or the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: born of the Virgin Mary

 Apostle's Creed: born of the Virgin Mary by ric gustafson

The Son of God entered this world by supernatural power. Jesus departed this earth by resurrection and ascension. Jesus was more than man. Jesus's earthly life though he was human he was also divine. Jesus came from God and went back to God. Jesus had freedom from sin. He was virgin born. Even though there has been skepticism about Jesus's birth and death, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the person of Christ: Witness

 the person of Christ: Witness by ric gustafson

According to Isaiah 55:4, Christ is called a witness to the peoples. When Jesus talked to Pilate, he told him that he was born as a witness of truth. Pilate replied " what is truth?". Jesus was concerned about our false images of God. Jesus does not want our view of God to be distorted by Satan. Jesus was the image of the invisible God. Jesus came to bear witness to the Father's nature. Jesus loved people. He ate with them, wept with them and healed their diseases. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: In Touch December 2011

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a glorious future

 Life in Christ: a glorious future by ric gustafson

God is always at work in us. We are like clay in the hands of God. God wants to train us and build us up. He wants us to always be his disciples. He wants us to follow and learn from him. Because of Jesus, we are now forever perfect. We have received holiness. Jesus works in our daily life conforming our mind, emotions and will. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

The End

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

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Ismay 2021 page 4

 Ismay 2021 page 4 by ric gustafson

On April 15 1912 at 8:30 am, all the lifeboats from the Titanic were accounted for. Then there was a roll call. The names of the missing became known. When it became known who was lost and who survived, a lot of crying and wailing occured.

The first thing Ismay did onboard the Carpathia was go to the dining room and get something to eat. Then he demanded a stateroom so he could rest. Some survivors were upset to hear that Ismay got the nicest stateroom onboard and some of them had to sleep on the floor. The American public was enraged hearing of the treatment he got onboard. 

Another survivor, Lawrence Beesley was also pointed out by the American public under circumstances similiar to Ismay's. Along with Ismay, he felt no guilt for getting in a lifeboat. Later, Beesley wrote a nine chapter one hundred page story of what happened to him on the Titanic. Ismay did not say a word about the Titanic until they reached America. Four officers survived the disaster. Only one Second Officer Charles Lightoller saw Ismay on the Carpathia. Some said Ismay felt guilt for failing his father who was legendary in the shipping world. He may have felt guilt because his unsinkable liner had failed him. Ismay had to give the White Star Line a notice that the Titanic had sunk with a huge loss of life. News offices in America were informed on Tuesday of survivors.

At New York harbour pier 54, 30000 people saw the Carpathia quietly dock. Ismay was escorted off the ship to the offices of the Cunard. Ismay knew an inquiry was coming.

research help: ' How to survice the Titanic or the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: his only Son

 Apostle's Creed: his only Son by ric gustafson

Jesus is God's only Son. Jesus was and is God's only Son. God and Jesus have a unique and eternal relationship. Jesus called God his Father. God called Jesus his Son. According to John 5, God's will is that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father. According to Matthew 3 and 17, this is my beloved Son. Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: and in Jesus Christ

 Apostle's Creed: and in Jesus Christ by ric gustafson

This is central to the Apostle's Creed. Jesus is his proper name. Jesus was a historical person.Christ means the Anointed One. Jesus was a prophet, priest and king. As sinners we need instruction, reconciliation and we need someone to guide and protect us. Jesus is God's only Son. 

Is Jesus our Lord?. I proclaim yes he is. I love him more than anything else.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ismay 2021 page 3

 Ismay 2021 page 3 by ric gustafson

Into which lifeboat Ismay got in there is a lot of speculation. Some survivors recall Ismay getting into the first lifeboat. Some saw Ismay get into Collapsible C. Some saw him get into the very last lifeboat. Part of the problem with people's rememberance was the chaos going on at the time. On Collapsible C, Quartermaster George Rowe remembers Ismay getting in. One man who saw Ismay get into Collapsible C was William E Carter. Carter was a polo playing millionaire who was keeping a Renault motor car in the hold of the liner. He got into the lifeboat at the same time as Ismay. No women were around so several men got into the boat. The lifeboat was lowered with difficulty. The huge liner was listing toward starboard. At forty nine, Ismay was the oldest on board. Among the passengers were Lebanese, Chinese and Swedish passengers. Ismay was wearing his pyjamas, coat and slippers. He talked to no one.

The liner Titanic went down two hours and forty minutes after hitting the iceberg.

Ismay claims he was rowing and had his back turned when the liner plunged to it's watery grave.

research help: ' How to survive the Titanic or the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: Maker of heaven and earth

 Apostle's Creed: Maker of heaven and earth by ric gustafson

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And so God's Word begins. Genesis chapter one and two plainly tells us who created everything. God is nature's Creator. God created everything. God crafted and created. God said let there be and it was. God was free and unrestricted when he created. God made us in his own image. We are limited but God is not. This world exists because of God. We are stewards of God's world. God loves us more than anything else.

resource help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ismay 2021 page 2

 Ismay 2021 page 2 by ric gustafson

At 11:40 pm, an iceberg tore a 300 foot gash along the starboard side of the huge liner. The liner was traveling at 22 knots The gash sliced open four compartments. Everyone had a different reaction to the sound. Some thought it was like the scraping of a nail. Ismay woke up and thought that one of it's propellers had come off. Ismay put on some slippers and began to walk down a passageway. He asked a steward what had happened. The steward did not know. Ismay went back to his room, put on an overcoat and black trousers over his pyjamas. 

Ismay went up to the bridge and spoke to Captain Smith. Captain Smith informed him they had struck an iceberg. He asked the Captain if the liner was damaged. The Captain replied yes. As Ismay left to find the Chief Engineer Joseph Bell, chaos was starting. Stewards were getting passengers to put on their lifejackets and come up to the deck. Bell told Ismay that he hoped the pumps would hold off the water for a while. Then Ismay heard Captain Smith give the order for the lifeboats to be prepared. He also ordered that women and children would get in first.

research help: ' How to survive the Titanic or the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: Almighty

 Apostle's Creed: Almighty by ric gustafson

God is Lord and King over this world. God cannot act out of character. God is not random or unloving. God does all he intends to do. We do have human free will. God does the things that come to pass. God is Almighty because evil is mastered. The good news is that God Almighty gives us grace, trust, peace and joy. God answers prayers and gives us final salvation. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 8

 Horatio's lucky penny page 8 by ric gustafson

Horatio was sitting at a small table in his study. He was eating breakfast and watching the morning stock market report. He wanted to see how his Johnson Financial Group stock was doing. As he ate, he noticed that his stock price was already going down.

He dialed his stock advisor on his cell phone. " Mark, what's going on?".

" Horatio, there is a huge rumor of a major shakeup as far as Johnson Financial Group". His advisor replied in a tired voice. " I will keep you informed as the day goes on".

As the day went on, the stock price for Johnson Financial Group went lower and lower.

Horatio's cell phone rang.

" Horatio, this is Mark". The voice was frantic. " You need to sell some of your stock before it is too late".

Horatio looked at the plaque. " My lucky penny tells me not to sell".

" Horatio, all of your portfolio is in one stock". Mark sighed. " You will lose everything".

Later, Horatio's cell phone rang.

" I'm sorry Horatio". Mark sighed again. " You lost everything".

In disgust, Horatio threw the cell phone and smashed it.

He put the plaque in a storeroom and forgot about it.

December of that year, Horatio watched as someone from Dominick's put some food containers into their green dumpster. A cold and hungry Horatio took them back home.

The End

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: the Father Almighty

 Apostle's Creed: the Father Almighty by ric gustafson

God the Father created everything. God the Son prayed to my Father. Jesus called his Father Abba. God the Father loves his Son. The Apostle Paul spoke of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. To those who received Jesus God the Father gave power for them to become children of God. Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Lord. God is the Father of our Savior. God the Father is almighty. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Apostle's Creed: the God I believe in

 Apostle's Creed: the God I believe in by ric gustafson

We profess our faith in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Either you serve the Christian God or you serve idols or other gods. God gave us his proper name Jehovah. God has told us both his nature and his role. God says he is light and love. God explained the divine trinity to us. It is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three in one saves us. God the Father plans. God the Son procures. The Holy Spirit applys redemption.

research help:' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 7

 Horatio's lucky penny page 7 by ric gustafson

" Horatio, after I entered the homeless shelter I became a Christian". John took a little green bible out of one of his pant pockets. " Knowing Jesus has changed my life".

" I don't believe in God". He glanced at the plaque. " Just my lucky penny".

" You still believe in that coin for everything in your life".

" Of course". Horatio grabbed one of his portfolio statements. " What's happened to me bears it out".

" Horatio, I heard today that the stock market took a huge plunge".

" I'm happy with my life". He pointed toward everything he had. " My lucky penny has given me everything I need".

" Ok Horatio". He began to walk toward the front door. " I will pray for you".

Horatio watched as his friend left.

He stared at the plaque. " Who needs God when we have each other".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 6

 Horatio's lucky penny page 6 by ric gustafson

Horatio poured some lemonade from a large glass pitcher into a glass. He handed it to John. He pointed to a tray of sandwiches. " Please have one".

" Thank you". John bit into a roast beef sandwich. " Thank you for lunch".

" My pleasure". Horatio bit into a ham sandwich. " I miss the guys from the tent colony".

" So tell me". John pointed around. " How all this happened?".

" A miracle happened the next day after I found my lucky penny".

" What happened?".

" I saw something green in the snow". His voice paused. " It was a wet $ 100 dollar bill".

" Being homeless, what did you do with it?".

" I took it to somebody at the shelter who knew about investing in the stock market".

John looked around. " The rest is history".

" He invested it for me". Horatio smiled. " All this is just off the interest".

" And you think that everything that has happened to you is because of this lucky penny".

" That's right". He grinned. " It's the only explanation I can think of".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ismay 2021 page 1

 Ismay 2021 page 1 by ric gustafson

J Bruce Ismay was dining in the first class restaurant with Dr William OLoughlin. OLoughlin was the surgeon of the White Star Line. Ismay was wearing a dinner jacket and the surgeon was wearing a crisp white uniform. In the dining room was a dinner party for the Captain of the Titanic E J Smith. It was Sunday evening April 14 1912. The huge liner was heading for New York and was due to arrive in New York the following Wednesday morning.

Ismay knew already that a large ice region was in their path. Earlier in the day, Captain Smith handed him a message from another White Star liner named the ' Baltic'. The message warned of icebergs and field ice about 250 miles ahead of them. Ismay showed the message to two passengers and then gave it back to Captain Smith. Ismay was not concerned about the warning. It was a very calm night out and the Titanic was the largest and safest vessel ever built. Ismay was not worried.

research help: ' How to survive the Titanic or the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson

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Apostle's Creed: I believe in God

 Apostle's Creed: i believe in God by ric gustafson

So what do you believe in?. People give different answers. Faith is commiting totally to someone or something. I have faith that God loves me and will take care of me. I have faith in God's Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Christian faith is hearing and doing what God says. According to James 1, God does not want us to be double minded. God wants us to believe in him and have faith.

research help: ' Affirming the Apostle's Creed' by J I Packer

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Horatio's lucky penny page 5

 Horatio's lucky penny page 5 by ric gustafson

" You look familiar". Horatio stared at John. " Have we met before?".

" No, I don't think so". He scratched his beard. " I'm from Montana".

" Montana John". Horatio stood up and hugged his old friend. " Remember me Horatio from the tent colony".

" You mean the homeless guy who would bring back containers of food from dumpsters".

" That was me".

" What happened to you?". He grinned. " You disappeared from the tent colony".

Horatio walked over to a wall and took down a plaque. " This is what happened to me".

John glanced at the plaque. " A penny".

" That's right". Horatio smiled. " This lucky penny saved my life".

" How is that?".

" The day I found that penny my life completely changed".

" So from the tent colony you now live in this fancy house".

" Are you hungry John?".

" A little".

" Have lunch with me". Horatio smiled. " And I will explain everythng".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 4

 Horatio's lucky penny page 4 by ric gustafson

Horatio was studying his stock portfolio when the intercom rang. He hit the button. " Yes Evelyn".

" John Ellis from the Elkington Homeless Shelter is here to see you".

" Oh that's right". He glanced at his Rolodex. " Send him in".

John was brought into a spacious office.

Horatio stared at the young man. " Please sit down".

" Thank you". He sat down on a comfy blue couch. " I'm John Ellis from the Elkington Homeless Shelter".

They shook hands. " What can I do for you Mr Ellis?".

" The shelter is suffering from financial hardships right now".

" Yes, I know about the cut in city funding".

" We've also been struggling financialy in other ways".

" Mr Longley, we greatly appreciate what you've given to us in the past".

" Thank you".

" But right now we could really use your help".

" Mr Ellis, I was homeless at your shelter for a long time".

" I heard that".

" I know what it's like to be hungry and have no place to go".

" So we can count on your help".

" I will help the shelter".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: loved

 Life in Christ: loved by ric gustafson

God loves us more than anything else. God says fully behold my love. God's love is limitless. God's love for us is permanent. According to Isaiah 43, you are precious in my eyes and I love you. Isaiah 54 says my steadfast love shall not depart from you. Jesus says in John 16 I also have loved you abide in my love. God's love gives us lasting confidence. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 3

 Horatio's lucky penny page 3 by ric gustafson

Marsha Schuster started to write some numbers on a white easel.

The people, sitting at a long wooden table, looked on.

" This last quarter was not very good financially for the shelter".

Dede Benson, the shelter's youth director, raised her hand. " Why?".

" The city has cut some of our funding". Marsha frowned. " Also our private contributions have gone down also".

Richard Conklin's hand went up. " Marsha, what can we do to help?".

" John".

" Yes Marsha".

" This is John Ellis". Marsha smiled. " He's the new member of this team".

Everyone at the table smiled at him.

" John, could you talk to Horatio Longley?". She gave a nervous smile. " He is the shelter's largest private contributor".

" Sure".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: worthy

 Life in Christ: worthy by ric gustafson

We feel worthy when we feel that we have value. When we don't feel worthy we feel guilty and disapproved. In the natural world, worthiness is based on ideals and standards. Even though we feel unworthy, God forgives us anyway.

When we feel worthy by Jesus, we feel as if we have personal value. Apart from Jesus, we are sinners. We fall short of God. We need to say God be merciful to me a sinner. Then God says you have a new life you are mine. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 2

 Horatio's lucky penny page 2 by ric gustafson

Horatio slowly walked through the deep snow. He was heading toward his favorite place, the warm grate of Dominick's Restaurant. It was Christmas Eve. The restaurant was quiet. Horatio was cold and shivering. The Italian restaurant was a favorite of Horatio's. The grate was warm and they always threw away a lot of food in the nearby dumpster.

Horatio stopped at the grate. He warmed himself over it. Then he walked over to the green dumpster. He opened it. He peered inside. He took out styrofoam containers that contained leftover pizza, pasta and garlic bread. He grabbed the containers and shut the dumpster. As he walked away, he noticed something shiny on the cold snowy ground. He picked up what appeared to be a new shiny penny. Horatio smiled. " This must be my lucky day". He put the penny into a pocket of his threadbare pants. He picked up the containers. He began to walk back toward the tent colony.

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Horatio's lucky penny page 1

 Horatio's lucky penny page 1 by ric gustafson

John Ellis took off a plaque from the wall. He carefully wrapped it and put it into a cardboard box. He heard a knock on his door. 

" Come in".

Franklin Monroe walked in. " We're going to miss you around here John".

" It's time". He took off another plaque. " I would like to spend more time with my wife and grandkids".

Franklin smiled. " The shelter won't be quite the same without you". He glanced at the plaque in John's hand. " That's a strange plaque".

John handed him the plaque. " It was given to me by a resident who passed away".

Franklin studied the plaque. " There is a single penny encased in it".

John grinned, " Would you like to hear the story behind this plaque?".

" Sure".

" Pull up a chair".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 6

 Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 6 by ric gustafson

" Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send the old man that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue". Lloyd was desperate. " For I am in agony in this flame".

" Child, remember that during your life you received your good things and likewise Lazarus had his things". The lack of water was affecting Lloyd. " But now he is being comforted here and you are in agony".

" Please help me Father Abraham".

" Besides between you and me is a great chasm". He pointed. " Those who wish to come over from here to you cannot and none can cross over from there to us".

" Then I beg you to send the old man to my father's house for I have five brothers". Lloyd was beginning to lose his mind. " That he might warn them not to come to this place of torment".

" They have Moses and the Prophets". Father Abraham shook his head. " Let them hear them".

" No Father Abraham but if someone goes to them from the dead". Lloyd's thirsty voice hesitated. " They will repent".

" If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets". Father Abraham frowned. " Neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead".

Thirst and flame kept consuming Lloyd. He knew he was eternally lost forever.

The End

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

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Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 5

 Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 5 by ric gustafson

Lloyd and Fred walked out of the elevator into the dimness of the underground parking.

" Lloyd, you haven't stopped smiling since you heard the news".

" I can't help it". He reached for the door handle of his Lexus. All of a sudden, chest discomfort made him slump to the ground. He clutched his chest. " I feel like I'm dying". His eyes closed to darkness.

Lloyd opened his eyes and looked around the pitch black room. ' Where am I' he thought to himself as the unknown began to invade his thoughts. In the blackness, he noticed a window on a side wall. He inched toward it. He was getting very thirsty. He began to feel as if God had left him. He felt alone. He also began to feel as if he was in a continous flame.

When he peeked out the side window, he could not believe what he saw. He noticed Father Abraham. In his arms was the old man from his work gate.

Thirst and being in a continous flame began to drive him mad.

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 4

 Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 4 by ric gustafson

Fred Jones walked up to the security booth. Gordon was letting a car in. Fred noticed that the old man was not by the gate. 

" Good morning Gordon".

" Morning Mr Jones".

" Gordon, what happened to the old man?".

" It was the strangest thing". He waved another car through. " After clocking in, I noticed that the old man had slumped over".

" What did you do?".

" I called 911 and then tried to revive him".

" Were you able to?".

" No, he died in my arms". Tears began to form in his eyes. " Then the strangest thing happened".

" What was that Gordon?".

" As he died in my arms". His voice became a whisper. " I thought I heard angels singing".

research help:  The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric